Disposable dental valve device

ABSTRACT

A disposable dental valve device is disclosed which comprises a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the rotatable valve body having a top and a handle portion connected to the top.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/726,654, filed on Nov. 15, 2012, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/793,885, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a valve for a dental instrument and moreparticularly to a disposable valve device for a high volume evacuator ora low volume evacuator (saliva ejector).

During a dental procedure it is important to be able to remove saliva,blood, tooth fragments, metals, and other debris from the mouth of apatient. Removal of this matter allows a dentist to be able to perform aprocedure in an unobstructed manner. Various systems or devices havebeen developed to remove liquid and solid materials from a mouth duringa dental procedure. One device that is capable of removing saliva isknown as a saliva ejector. A saliva ejector typically comprises aplastic flexible tube for placement in the mouth of a patient. Thesaliva ejector tube is connected to a valve which in turn is connectedto a source of vacuum. In this manner, saliva is passed through theejector tube and the valve to be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Oncethe procedure is completed, the ejector should be discarded and thevalve should be sterilized by autoclaving to be used again. Although itis suggested to autoclave the valve after use, it is known thatautoclaving is hardly ever done. Another device that is capable ofremoving solid materials is a high volume evacuator system. A highvolume evacuator system generally consists of a tube that may beinserted into a mouth of a patient with the tube connected to a valvewhich is connected to a source of vacuum. Again, in this manner, debrismay be removed from the mouth of the patient. After the dentalprocedure, the tube is disposed of and the valve should be sterilizedfor reuse. However, although it is suggested to sterilize the valveafter use, it is known that this suggested procedure is hardly everfollowed. As can be appreciated, the saliva ejector and the high volumeevacuator are used to remove liquids and debris from a mouth of apatient to prevent a patient from swallowing or aspirating liquids anddebris produced during a dental procedure.

The saliva ejector valve and the high volume evacuator valve each has avalve body having a passage and a valve sealing member. The valvesealing member has an opening that may be aligned with the passage toallow saliva and other material to pass when the valve sealing member isin an open position. When the valve sealing member is in a closedposition, the source of vacuum is cut off by the valve sealing memberblocking the passage through the valve body. In this manner, the salivaejector valve and the high volume evacuator valve may be opened orclosed. However, due to the construction of the valve sealing member, anopening is formed through the valve body that is perpendicular to thepassage formed in the valve body. In this manner, the valve sealingmember is inserted into the opening from either end of the opening whenthe valve is assembled.

Although these devices and systems are beneficial, one disadvantageassociated with their use is that the valves may become clogged withdebris during use causing the valve to malfunction. It will then berequired to disassemble the valve to remove the debris. This results ina valve that cannot be used again until it is repaired and cleaned. Itis also possible that debris will lodge inside the mechanism of thevalve rendering the valve inoperable during a procedure. If this were tooccur a new valve would have to replace the failed valve during aprocedure. The valves invariably collect debris, body fluids, blood, andsolids that adhere and accumulate upon the internal surfaces of thevalve. The detritus that adheres to the internal surfaces of the valvecan become a breeding ground for microbial contaminants. This buildupalso contains microorganisms that remain in the valve system unless thevalves are disassembled, the internal accumulated debris removed, andthe valve sterilized.

As can be appreciated, if the valve is not cleaned and sterilized aftereach procedure there is the possibility of cross-contamination from onepatient to another patient. In order to control infection and disease,the valve must be removed from service, disassembled, cleaned,sterilized, reassembled, checked, and then returned to service. Tocomplicate matters, the valve may have various O-rings that need to bereplaced in order for the valve to function properly. For example, thevalve sealing member may include two O-rings that assist in holding thevalve sealing member within the opening formed in the valve body. Whendisassembling the valve sealing member from the valve body, it ispossible that the O-rings may become damaged. If this were to occur thenthe O-rings would have to be replaced. It is also possible that theO-rings may deteriorate over time and air may leak through the openingand the valve sealing member. If this were to occur then it is possiblethat the valve and the valve sealing member may malfunction during adental procedure or operation. For example, the valve sealing member maybe ejected from the valve body and any saliva, liquid, blood, or debrismay spray out of the opening where the valve sealing member should be.Malfunctioning of the valve during an operation should be avoidedbecause the operation will have to be paused or stopped and theoperating room will have to be cleaned.

Another disadvantage of the use of a valve is that once a procedure iscompleted and the valve is removed, there is considerable noisegenerated by the source of vacuum. Although the source of vacuum may beturned off, the shutoff valve for the source of vacuum may be at aremote location. This results in having to leave the operating area toshut down the source of vacuum. Further, when the source of vacuum isrequired again, the shutoff valve will require being turned on again.For a system that does not have multiple shutoff valves this couldimpact other procedures that are pending. Also, if there is a localshutoff valve, this valve may not be in easy reach which would requiremoving from the patient.

As pointed out above, a further disadvantage associated with the use ofthese known valves is that there is the possibility ofcross-contamination between patients and/or dental care professionals.In order to prevent cross-contamination it becomes necessary to processthese valves by cleaning and decontamination. Cleaning requires that allof the debris be removed from the valve as well as any organic andinorganic contamination. Removal of debris and contamination may beachieved either by scrubbing with a surfactant, detergent, and water, orby an automated process using chemical agents. One example of anautomated process is the use of an ultrasonic cleaner. The valve alsoneeds to be sterilized after debris and contaminants are removed. Sincethe valves are constructed of metal they are heat-tolerant and may besterilized by use of such methods such as steam under pressure(autoclaving), dry heat, or unsaturated chemical vapor. As can beappreciated, protecting against cross-contamination can be an expensiveand time consuming proposition. Further, as noted above, the valvescontain a number of O-rings that may need to be replaced. In order toaccomplish this, an inventory of O-rings needs to be maintained. Also,in order to replace some of the O-rings, a lubricant may have to beused. Again, the lubricant will have to be inventoried so that a supplyis readily available for use by service technicians. Having to inventoryvarious supplies that may be required to service such valves is acumbersome operation that many healthcare facilities may want to avoid.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a valve for a dental instrumentthat is disposable and only intended for one time use. It would also bedesirable to have a valve that has a valve sealing member that issecured in place so that the valve sealing member does not malfunctionduring a dental operation. It would also be advantageous to have a valvefor a dental instrument that is easy to install on or remove from hosingfor a source of vacuum. It would also be desirable to include a capdevice to cover a source of vacuum when a valve is removed from a hoseconnected to a source of vacuum to reduce or eliminate any noiseassociated with the source of vacuum.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental valve devicecomprises a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end,a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end,and a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valvesealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, therotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumenformed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, therotatable valve sealing body having a top and a handle portion connectedto the top.

In another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental valvedevice comprises a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hosereceiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hosereceiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve body with thepartial opening having a bottom receiving end, and a rotatable valvesealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening andcontacting the bottom receiving end, the rotatable valve body having abore having a first concave opening and a second concave opening withthe bore and the openings for alignment with the lumen formed betweenthe tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the first and secondconcave openings forming a lower annular ring for engagement with thebottom receiving end, the rotatable valve body having a top and a handleportion connected to the top with movement of the handle capable ofpositioning the bore in alignment with the lumen.

In yet another form of the present disclosure, a disposable dental valvedevice kit comprises a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hosereceiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hosereceiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, arotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partialopening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignmentwith the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hosereceiving end, the rotatable valve sealing body having a top and ahandle portion connected to the top, and a cap device for insertion intoa hose connected to a source of vacuum.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device for adental instrument that is suitable for one time use and may be discardedafter use.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device that iseasy to install on a hose connected to a source of vacuum and have a tipinstalled on another end of the device.

The present disclosure provides a valve for a dental instrument that issmall, lightweight, easy to handle, easy to install, and easy tooperate.

The present disclosure also provides a valve for a dental instrumentwhich is of simple construction and design and which can be easilyemployed with highly reliable results.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve devicethat does not require sterilization and prevents againstcross-contamination.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device thatmay have an antimicrobial agent or chemical incorporated into the deviceto prevent any bacterial growth on the device. The antimicrobial agentor chemical may also be a coating applied to the disposable dental valvedevice.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve devicethat may be constructed of plastic that is recyclable or biodegradableto reduce the cost of the device and to allow the device to bedisposable and discarded after a single use.

The present disclosure provides a disposable dental valve device furtherincludes a cap device that may be used to cap off a source of vacuumwhen the device is removed from a hose connected to the source of vacuumto reduce or eliminate any sound or noise associated with the source ofvacuum.

The present disclosure is related to a disposable dental valve devicethat has a valve sealing body that is easy to manipulate during a dentaloperation to open or close the valve.

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent after considering the following detailed specification inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable dental valve deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable dental valve deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure with a valve sealingbody removed;

FIG. 3 a side perspective view of a valve sealing body constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is another side view of the valve sealing body constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental valve deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a disposabledental valve device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a disposable dental valvedevice constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the disposable dentalvalve device shown in FIG. 7 taken along the line of plane 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the disposable dental valve deviceconstructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotatable valve body constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a disposable dental valve constructedaccording to the present disclosure for receiving a saliva ejector tip;and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of cap device constructed according to thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items,number 10 identifies a disposable dental valve device for use with adental system constructed according to the present disclosure. Withreference now to FIG. 1, the valve 10 comprises a valve body 12 having atip receiving end 14, a hose receiving end 16, and a rotatable valvesealing body 18. The tip receiving end 14 is adapted to receive anevacuator tip device (not shown) such as a high volume evacuator or alow volume evacuator (saliva ejector). The hose receiving end 16 isadapted to receive a vacuum line or a hose (not shown) which isconnected to a suction system (also not shown). The hose receiving end16 also has a circumferential channel 20 that is adapted to accept anO-ring (not shown). The O-ring is used to further secure a hose or atailpiece to the hose receiving end 16. It is also possible that thehose receiving end 16 may incorporate a structure to secure a hose tothe end 16 without the use of the channel 20 or the requirement for anO-ring. For example, the end 16 may be barbed so that the barbs may holda hose thereon. The device 10 is constructed of material that allows thedevice 10 to be disposable and suitable for one time use. The device 10also has a handle 22 for manual operation of the rotatable valve sealingbody 18 of the device 10. Manual operation of the handle 22 will openthe device 10, close the device 10, or partially open the device 10, aswill be discussed more fully herein. As can be appreciated, a suctionsystem provides suction through an evacuator tip device, the device 10,and a hose so that any debris or saliva that is introduced into anevacuator tip device is removed through an evacuator tip device, thevalve 10, and a hose when the rotatable valve sealing body 18 of thedevice 10 is in an open state or a partially open state. The valve body12 also has an opening 24 at the tip receiving end 14 and a passage orlumen 26 formed in the valve body 12. The lumen 26 continues through thevalve body 12 to the hose receiving end 16. Although not shown, it iscontemplated that the tip receiving end 14 may be constructed having aninterior annular ring for receiving an O-ring to retain a tip therein.It is also possible that the tip receiving end 14 may have otherstructure that will allow a frictional engagement of a tip and the tipreceiving end 14.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the device 10 is shown with the rotatablevalve sealing device 18 being removed. The valve body 12 has the lumen26 and an opening 28 at the hose receiving end 16. As has beendescribed, the lumen 26 continues through the valve body 12 to the tipreceiving end 14. The valve body 12 also has a partial opening 30 formedon a top side 32 of the valve body 12. The partial opening 30 does notgo all the way through the valve body 12. The partial opening 30 isblocked by a bottom 34 of the valve body 12. An opening 36 is also shownin the lumen 26 between the tip receiving end 14 and the opening 30. Anannular channel or ring 38 is formed in the opening 30 which is used toretain the rotatable valve sealing device 18 in place, as will beexplained in further detail herein.

FIG. 3 shows the rotatable valve sealing body 18 in an open position.The rotatable valve sealing body 18 has a top 40, a central body portion42 having a bore 44, and a bottom 46. The handle 22 is part of the top40. The central body portion 42 also has an annular ridge portion 48near the top 40. The ridge portion 48 is capable of fitting into thering 38 (FIG. 2) in a snap fit engagement to secure the rotatable valvesealing body 18 within the valve body 12. The bore 44 is adapted to bealigned with the lumen 26 of the valve body 12. When the bore 44 isaligned with the lumen 26, the device 10 is in an open position and thesource of vacuum will draw any fluid or debris from the tip receivingend 14 through the lumen 26 and the bore 44 and out through the hosereceiving end 16. In this manner, fluid and debris may be removed from amouth during a dental procedure or operation. Although the ridge 48 isshown, it is possible that an annular ring may be formed in the centralbody portion 42 and an O-ring may be used to hold the valve sealing body18 in place. Also, although one ridge 48 is depicted, it is contemplatedthat another ridge 48 may be formed on the central body portion 42 nearthe bottom 46 and another ring 38 be formed in the opening 30 near thebottom 34 to receive the second ridge 48 to further secure the valvesealing body 18 in place.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the rotatable valve sealing body 18 isillustrated in a closed position. The rotatable valve sealing body 18has the top 40, the central body portion 42 having a first opening 50and a second opening 52, and the bottom 46. The openings 50 and 52 arealigned with the bore 40 (FIG. 3). When the rotatable valve sealing body18 is in the closed position, the central body portion 42 will block anyair flow through the valve body 12. In essence, the bore 44 is no longeraligned with the lumen 26 formed in the valve body 12. The rotatablevalve sealing body 18 is moved into the closed position by use of thehandle 22. The openings 50 and 52 are concave and this provides a lowerannular ring 54 that is formed in the sealing body 18.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the disposable dental valve device10 with the rotatable valve sealing body 18 in the closed position. Thedevice 10 has the valve body 12 having the rotatable valve sealing body18 mounted therein. The rotatable valve sealing body 18 is held in placeby use of the ridge 48 being snapped into place within the ring 38. Thebottom 46 of the rotatable valve sealing body 18 is adjacent to thebottom 34 of the valve body 12. In this manner, the rotatable valvesealing body 18 is able to rotate within the valve body 12. Further, thebottom 34 ensures that the opening 30 (FIG. 2) is a partial opening andthe opening 30 does not go all the way through the valve body 12. Theopening 30 reduces the risk that the rotatable valve sealing body 18will become disengaged during use or that the valve 10 will fail duringuse. The rotatable valve sealing body 18 also has the bore 44 formedtherein between the openings 50 and 52. As previously described, theopenings 50 and 52 are concave and the sealing body 18 has the lowerannular ring 54 that is frictionally engaged near the bottom 34 withinthe opening 30 formed in the valve body 12. The valve body 12 also hasexterior ribs 56 that add strength to the valve body 12 and also assistin forming the valve body 12. The bottom 34 has a central indentation 58formed within the annular ring 54. The handle 22 is also shown as beingpart of the device 10.

With reference now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a disposable dentalvalve device 60 is shown. The valve 60 comprises a valve body 62 havinga tip receiving end 64, a hose receiving end 66, and a rotatable valvesealing body 68. The tip receiving end 64 is adapted to receive anevacuator tip device (not shown) such as a low volume evacuator (salivaejector). The hose receiving end 66 is adapted to receive a vacuum lineor a hose (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also notshown). The hose receiving end 66 also has a circumferential channel 70that is adapted to accept an O-ring (not shown). The O-ring is used tofurther secure a hose or a tailpiece to the hose receiving end 66. It isalso possible that the hose receiving end 66 may incorporate structureto secure a hose to the end 66 without the use of the channel 70 or therequirement for an O-ring. For example, the end 66 may be barbed so thatthe barbs may hold a hose thereon. The device 60 is constructed ofmaterial that allows the device 60 to be disposable and suitable for onetime use. The device 60 also has a handle 72 for manual operation of therotatable valve sealing body 68 of the device 60. Manual operation ofthe handle 22 will open the device 10, close the device 10, or partiallyopen the device 10, as will be discussed more fully herein. As can beappreciated, a suction system provides suction through an evacuator tipdevice, the device 60, and a hose so that any debris or saliva that isintroduced into an evacuator tip device is removed through an evacuatortip device, the valve 60, and a hose when the rotatable valve sealingbody 68 of the device 60 is in an open state or a partially open state.The valve body 62 also has an opening 74 at the tip receiving end 64 anda passage or lumen 76 formed in the valve body 62. The lumen 76continues through the valve body 62 to the hose receiving end 66.Although not shown, it is contemplated that the tip receiving end 64 maybe constructed having an interior annular ring for receiving an O-ringto retain a tip therein. It is also possible that the tip receiving end64 may have other structure that will allow a frictional engagement of atip and the tip receiving end 64. The valve body 62 also has a bottom 78that ensures that the valve body 62 only has a partial opening (notshown) for receiving the rotatable valve sealing body 68. In particular,the sealing body 68 does not go entirely through the valve body 62. Onedifference between the valve 60 and the valve 10 is that the valve 60 issmaller in size and is used to remove saliva from a mouth of a patientduring a dental operation. Further, the hose receiving end 66 may besmaller to accommodate a smaller vacuum hose being attached thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a disposable dental valvedevice 100 constructed according to the present disclosure. The valve100 comprises a valve body 102 having a tip receiving end 104, a hosereceiving end 106, and a rotatable valve sealing body or member 108. Thetip receiving end 104 is adapted to receive an evacuator tip device (notshown). The hose receiving end 106 is adapted to receive a vacuum lineor a hose (not shown) which is connected to a suction system (also notshown). The hose receiving end 106 also has a circumferential channel110 that is adapted to accept an O-ring (not shown). The O-ring is usedto further secure a hose or a tailpiece to the hose receiving end 106.The device 100 is constructed of material that allow the device 100 tobe disposable and suitable for one time use. The device 100 also has ahandle 112 for manual operation of the rotatable valve sealing body 108of the device 100. Manual operation of the handle 112 will open thedevice 100, close the device 100, or partially open the device 100, aswill be discussed more fully herein. As can be appreciated, a suctionsystem provides suction through an evacuator tip device, the device 100,and a hose so that any debris or saliva that is introduced into anevacuator tip device is removed through an evacuator tip device, thevalve 100, and a hose when the device is in an open state or a partiallyopen state.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of thedisposable dental valve device 100 is shown. The device 100 comprisesthe valve body 102 having the tip receiving end 104, the hose receivingend 106, and the rotatable valve sealing body 108. The tip receiving end104 has a first ledge portion 114 and a second ledge portion 116. Theledge portions 114 and 116 are used to capture or hold an evacuator tipthat is inserted therein. In some cases, only the ledge portion 114 maybe required to hold an evacuator tip within the tip receiving end 104. Aduct or lumen 118 is formed in the valve body 102 between the tipreceiving end 104 and the hose receiving end 106. A partial cavity 120is formed in the valve body 102 and the lumen 118 and is used to captureand hold the rotatable valve sealing body 108. The valve body 102 has abottom receiving end 122 that allows the rotatable valve sealing body108 to rotate therein. In particular, the rotatable valve sealing body108 does not go fully through the valve body 102. The rotatable valvesealing body 108 has a bore 124 formed therein. The bore 124 is capablebeing in alignment with the lumen 118 to allow air, debris, saliva,blood, and liquid to pass through the device 100. Also, when the bore124 is repositioned such that the bore 124 is not aligned with the lumen118, air may not now pass through the device 100. In this particularorientation the device 100 is shut or closed. The valve body 102 alsohas a circumferential or annular channel 126 formed therein which isadapted to receive an O ring 128. The O ring 128 assists in securing orretaining the rotatable valve body 108 within the partial cavity 120.Although the O ring 128 is disclosed, it is also possible that therotatable valve body 108 may incorporate a rib or ridge that fits intothe channel 126.

The valve body 102 also has an exterior bottom side 130 that has anindentation 132 formed therein. The indentation 132 is adapted forreceiving a tab portion 134 of the handle 112 the rotatable valve body108. When the tab portion 134 is inserted into the indentation thisfacilitates a further securing point of the rotatable valve body 108 tothe valve body 102. The tab portion 134 also assists in operating therotatable valve body 108.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a bottom view of the device 100 is illustrated.The device 100 comprises the tip receiving end 104, the hose receivingend 106, and the rotatable valve sealing body 108. The hose receivingend 106 has the circumferential channel 110 that is formed therein. Therotatable valve sealing body 108 has a bottom end 136 that is connectedto the handle 112. The bottom end 136 is in a snap fit engagement withthe exterior bottom side 130 of the valve body 102.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the rotatable valve sealing body 108removed from the device 100. The rotatable valve sealing body 108 has acentral body portion 136 that has the bore 124 formed therein. Thecentral body portion 136 has a bottom 138 and a top 140. The centralbody portion 136 also has a circumferential channel 142 formed in ornear the top 140. The channel 142 is adapted to receive the O ring 128(FIG. 8). The handle 112 has a top portion 144, a central portion 146,and a bottom portion 148. The top portion 144, the central portion 146,and the bottom portion 148 form the handle 112. The bottom portion 148also has the tab portion 134. The central portion 146 and the bottomportion 148 are resilient enough that these portions 146 and 148 may bemanipulated to assemble the rotatable valve body 108 into the valve body102.

With particular reference now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of thedisposable dental valve device 100 is depicted. The device 10 is shownto comprise the tip receiving end 104, the hose receiving end 106, andthe rotatable valve sealing body 108. The hose receiving end 106 has thecircumferential channel 110 that is formed therein. The lumen 118 isshown and it forms a channel or a path for debris and liquids to follow.The valve body 102 also has a tip end side 150 and a hose end side 152.The sides 150 and 152 form stops at which the central portion 146 of thehandle 112 may not travel past. In this manner, the side 150 mayindicate that the bore 124 of the rotatable valve body 108 is in theopen position meaning that the bore 124 is in alignment with the lumen118. Further, the side 152 may indicate that the bore 124 is not inalignment with the lumen 118 to indicate that the rotatable valve body108 is in the closed position. The handle 112 may also be moved to apartially open position by moving the handle away from either of thesides 150 and 152. For example, the suction system may be too strong inthe fully open position and a dentist may require less suction. Bymoving the handle 112 away from either of the sides 150 or 152 only aportion of the bore 124 is in alignment with the lumen 118. It is alsopossible to include indicia on the valve body 102 to indicate whichdirection or side 150 or 152 is the open or closed position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cap device 200 is depicted which is used to beplaced over the opening of a hose when the devices 10, 60, or 100 areremoved from the hose to remove or dispose the devices 10, 60, or 100.In this manner, the opening of the hose will be physically blocked toshut off any air from rushing into the hose to silence any noiseproduced by the suction system or a source of vacuum. The cap device 200is sized and shaped to fit over the opening of the hose. The cap device200 may be constructed of any suitable material such as rubber orplastic. The valve devices 10, 60, and 100 may include the cap device200 so that when valve devices 10. 60, or 100 are being removed from thehose for disposal after use the cap device 200 may be placed over theopening of the hose. The cap device 200 comprises a body portion 202having a top side 204 and a bottom side 206 with the bottom side 206having a plug portion 208. A central portion 210 is connected betweenthe body portion 202 and a pull 212. The top side 204 has a raisedportion or bump 214. The plug portion 208 is inserted into the openingof the hose or flexible tubing connected to a suction source. The pull212 is used to be grasped by a hand to remove the plug portion 208 andthe cap device 200 from the hose when a new disposable dental valvedevice 10, 60, or 100 is to be used. The plug portion 208 may be of asufficient size and shape to plug an opening associated with a hoseattached to a source of suction. The cap device 200 may also be providedseparately from the devices 10, 60, or 100. As has been indicted above,it is also possible that the cap device 200 may be provided as a kitwith the devices 10, 60, and 100.

Although not shown, it is also possible that the tip receiving end 14may include an inlet end gasket, such as a balloon gasket, or an O ringfor holding or securing an evacuator tip in place. However, it is alsocontemplated that the device 10 and an evacuator tip may be of unitaryconstruction and provided as a single piece device. The inlet end gasketmay fit within channels or grooves formed in the tip receiving end 14.It is also possible that the hose receiving end 16 may incorporate ahose adapter or a tailpiece for securing a flexible hose connected to asuction system.

In operation of for example the device 10, the hose receiving end 16 ofthe device 10 is placed on to a hose connected to a suction system andan evacuator tip inserted into the tip receiving end 14 and then placedin a mouth of a dental patient. The handle 22, which may include anindicium to indicate the closed position and the open position, ismanually operated to open the device 10. Once in the open position, airis allowed to flow through the tip, the tip receiving end 14, the lumen26, the bore 44 of the rotatable valve sealing body 18, the hosereceiving end 16 and into a suction system. When suction is not neededduring a dental procedure, the handle 22 is moved to the closedposition. Further, once a dental procedure has been completed, thehandle 22 is moved to the closed position, the device is easilyseparated from the hose, and the cap device 200 is placed over theopening associated with the hose. The cap device 200 will block any airfrom being sucked into the hose and this silences any noise that isgenerated by the source of vacuum or the suction system. Once the device10 is disconnected from the hose, the device 10 may be disposed of byany suitable manner. A new device 10 is then connected to the hose afterthe cap device 200 is removed. With the new valve 10 installed, anotherdental procedure may be initiated.

The disposable dental valve devices 10, 60, and 100 may be formed of anysuitable material such as plastic, polyethylene, and high densitypolyethylene or any other suitable material that is disposable andrecyclable. Any suitable plastic may be used to construct the devices10, 60, and 100 so that the devices 10, 60, and 100 may withstand use ina dental operation or procedure. It is also possible and contemplated toincorporate an antimicrobial agent or chemical in the plastic or toprovide a coating of an antimicrobial agent on the plastic to furtherprevent cross-contamination when using the devices 10, 60, and 100.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus beenshown and described herein a disposable dental valve device whichfulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes,modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of thesubject disposable dental valve device are possible and contemplated.All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applicationswhich do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure aredeemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by theclaims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable dental valve device comprising: avalve body having an interior, a tip receiving end, a hose receivingend, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receivingend, and a partial opening formed in the valve body with an annularchannel formed in the interior and the interior having a bottomreceiving end having a flat surface; and a rotatable valve sealing bodyadapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valvesealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed betweenthe tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the rotatable valvesealing body having a top having an annular ridge portion and a handleportion connected to the top, the annular ridge portion for insertioninto the annular channel formed in the interior of the valve body tosecure the rotatable valve sealing body within the valve body, therotatable valve sealing body having a central body portion having anexterior surface, an upper end below the annular ridge portion, and alower end having an annular ring having a surface and a centralindentation formed within the annular ring between the surface of theannular ring with the surface of the annular ring contacting the flatsurface of the bottom receiving end.
 2. The disposable dental valvedevice of claim 1 wherein the rotatable valve sealing body and the valvebody are each constructed of plastic.
 3. The disposable dental valvedevice of claim 1 wherein the valve body comprises an exterior ribextending from the tip receiving end to the partial opening formed inthe valve body.
 4. The disposable dental valve device of claim 1 whereinthe valve body further comprises an exterior rib extending from the hosereceiving end to the partial opening formed in the valve body.
 5. Thedisposable dental valve device of claim 1 wherein the valve body furthercomprises a first exterior rib extending from the hose receiving end tothe tip receiving end, a second exterior rib extending from the hosereceiving end to the tip receiving end, a third exterior rib extendingfrom the hose receiving end to the partial opening formed in the valvebody, a fourth exterior rib extending from the hose receiving end to thepartial opening formed in the valve body, a fifth exterior rib extendingfrom the tip receiving end to the partial opening formed in the valvebody, and a sixth exterior rib extending from the tip receiving end tothe partial opening formed in the valve body.
 6. The disposable dentalvalve device of claim 1 wherein an antimicrobial agent is incorporatedinto the disposable dental valve device.
 7. The disposable dental valvedevice of claim 1 wherein the valve body further comprises an exteriorrib formed from the tip receiving end to the hose receiving end.
 8. Adisposable dental valve device comprising: a valve body having aninterior having an annular channel formed in the interior, tip receivingend, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving endand the hose receiving end, a partial opening formed in the valve bodywith the partial opening having a bottom receiving end having a flatsurface; and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being insertedinto the partial opening and contacting the bottom receiving end, therotatable valve body having a bore having a first concave opening and asecond concave opening with the bore and the openings for alignment withthe lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receivingend, the first and second concave openings forming a lower annular ringhaving a surface for engagement with the flat surface of the bottomreceiving end and the interior of the valve body, the rotatable valvebody having a top having an annular ridge portion with the annular ridgeportion for insertion into the annular channel formed in the interior ofthe valve body to secure the rotatable valve sealing body within thevalve body and a handle portion connected to the top with movement ofthe handle capable of positioning the bore in alignment with the lumen,the rotatable valve sealing body having a central body portion having anexterior surface, an upper end below the annular ridge portion, and alower end having the lower annular ring having the surface and having acentral indentation formed within the annular ring between the surfaceof the annular ring with the surface of the annular ring contacting theflat surface of the bottom receiving end.
 9. The disposable dental valvedevice of claim 8 wherein the valve body further comprises an exteriorrib extending from the tip receiving end to the partial opening formedin the valve body.
 10. The disposable dental valve device of claim 8wherein the valve body further comprises an exterior rib extending fromthe hose receiving end to the partial opening formed in the valve body.11. The disposable dental valve device of claim 8 wherein the valve bodyfurther comprises a first exterior rib extending from the hose receivingend to the tip receiving end, a second exterior rib extending from thehose receiving end to the tip receiving end, a third exterior ribextending from the hose receiving end to the partial opening formed inthe valve body, a fourth exterior rib extending from the hose receivingend to the partial opening formed in the valve body, a fifth exteriorrib extending from the tip receiving end to the partial opening formedin the valve body, and a sixth exterior rib extending from the tipreceiving end to the partial opening formed in the valve body.
 12. Thedisposable dental valve device of claim 8 wherein an antimicrobial agentis incorporated into the disposable dental valve device.
 13. Thedisposable dental valve device of claim 8 wherein the valve body furthercomprises a first exterior rib extending from the hose receiving end tothe tip receiving end and a second exterior rib extending from the hosereceiving end to the tip receiving end.
 14. The disposable dental valvedevice of claim 8 wherein the disposable dental valve is constructed ofplastic.
 15. A disposable dental valve device kit comprising: a valvebody having an interior having an annular channel formed in theinterior, a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formedbetween the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, and a partialopening formed in the valve body and the interior having a bottomreceiving end having a flat surface; a rotatable valve sealing bodyadapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valvesealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed betweenthe tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the rotatable valvesealing body having a top having an annular ridge portion and a handleportion connected to the top, the annular ridge portion for insertioninto the annular channel formed in the interior of the valve body tosecure the rotatable valve sealing body within the valve body, therotatable valve sealing body having a central body portion having anexterior surface, an upper end below the annular ridge portion, and alower end having an annular ring having a surface and a centralindentation formed within the annular ring between the surface of theannular ring with the surface of the annular ring contacting the flatsurface of the bottom receiving end; and a cap device for insertion intoa hose connected to a source of vacuum.
 16. The disposable dental valvedevice kit of claim 15 wherein the cap device comprises a body portionhaving a top side and a bottom side with the bottom side having a plugportion, a pull, and a central portion connected between the bodyportion and the pull.
 17. The disposable dental valve device kit ofclaim 15 wherein the cap device is constructed of rubber.
 18. Thedisposable dental valve device kit of claim 15 wherein the cap device isconstructed of plastic.
 19. The disposable dental valve device kit ofclaim 15 wherein an antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the capdevice.
 20. The disposable dental valve device kit of claim 15 whereinthe valve body further comprises a first exterior rib extending from thehose receiving end to the tip receiving end, a second exterior ribextending from the hose receiving end to the tip receiving end, a thirdexterior rib extending from the hose receiving end to the partialopening formed in the valve body, a fourth exterior rib extending fromthe hose receiving end to the partial opening formed in the valve body,a fifth exterior rib extending from the tip receiving end to the partialopening formed in the valve body, and a sixth exterior rib extendingfrom the tip receiving end to the partial opening formed in the valvebody.